The Enchanting Fairy Chimneys of Goreme

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşça kal
  [Hosh-cha kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yuhr]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Te-she-kur ed-er-im]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zoor dee-leh-rim]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Na-suhl-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Ya siz?
  [Ee-yee-eem. Ya siz?]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Ing-ee-leez-je ko-noo-shu-yor moo-soo-nooz?]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-la-muh-yor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Men-oo-yu gur-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatEt yemem
  [Et ye-mem]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [She-re-fe]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [O-de-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yar-duhm ed-een]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [Oo-za-klaash]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Pol-is-ee ar-a-yun]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dok-tor cha-ee-rin]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kai-bol-dum]
• I'm illHastayım
  [Has-tai-yum]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sat-uhn al-mak is-tee-yor-um]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sa-deh-je ba-ku-yor-um]
• How much is it?Ne kadar?
  [Neh ka-dar]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Boo choak pa-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yat-uh in-de-re-bee-leer mee-see-neez]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Sa-at kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Sa-at beer]
• Half past (10)On buçuk
  [On boo-chook]
• MorningSabah
  [Sa-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [O-le-den sonra]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ak-sham]
• YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
• TodayBugün
  [Boo-goon]
• TomorrowYarın
  [Ya-run]
• 1Bir
  [Beer]
• 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [Ooch]
• 4Dört
  [Dohrt]
• 5Beş
  [Besh]
• 6Altı
  [Al-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [Yeh-dee]
• 8Sekiz
  [Se-keez]
• 9Dokuz
  [Doh-kooz]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?... nerede?
  [Neh-reh-deh?]
• What's the address?Adres nedir?
  [Ad-res neh-deer?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Haritada) bana gösterebilir misiniz?
  [(Ha-ree-ta-da) ba-na gur-steh-re-bee-leer mee-see-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Son-ra-kee (o-to-boo-s) neh za-man?]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'ya)
  [Beer bee-let (ya)]

The history of Goreme dates back to the prehistoric times. Evidence suggests that humans were living in the region as early as 1800 to 1200 BC. The unique geological formations provided natural shelters, making it an ideal location for early settlers.

During the Hittite period, which spanned from around 1600 to 1178 BC, Goreme was an important center. The Hittites utilized the area's natural defenses and created an intricate network of underground cities to protect themselves from invaders.

From the 2nd century AD, Goreme became a part of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire. This era saw the construction of numerous rock-cut churches and monasteries, many of which are adorned with frescoes that remain to this day. The region became a significant monastic center due to its remote and secluded nature.

Between the 4th and 13th centuries, Goreme was a thriving hub for Christian monasticism. The monks carved elaborate cave churches and monasteries out of the soft volcanic rock. Many of these caves are decorated with stunning Byzantine frescoes, depicting biblical scenes and saints.

In the 11th century, Goreme came under the control of the Seljuk Turks, and later it became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. During these periods, the Christian communities coexisted with Muslim populations, contributing to the region's rich cultural tapestry.

Goreme remained relatively unknown to the outside world until the 20th century. The unique landscape and historical significance of the area came to international attention in the mid-1900s, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Today, Goreme is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Goreme is located in the Cappadocia region of central Turkiye. The nearest airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV), approximately 40 kilometers away. Alternatively, Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) is about 75 kilometers from Goreme. From both airports, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Goreme. Direct buses are also available from major Turkish cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir to Nevşehir, from where you can catch a local bus to Goreme.

Goreme is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the region, local buses and minibuses (dolmuş) are affordable and convenient. Taxis are available but may be more expensive. Renting a scooter or bicycle is a popular option for exploring the area. Car rentals are also available for those who prefer to travel at their own pace.

The official currency in Turkiye is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Goreme, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout the town, and most offer services in multiple languages.

Goreme is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Goreme, but staying aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Goreme has a local police station and medical facilities. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a nod. A friendly 'Merhaba' (Hello) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Goreme like a local, visit the local markets to buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for a breathtaking view of the unique landscape. For a more intimate experience, explore the lesser-known hiking trails that offer stunning views and fewer crowds.